This bag is a flat envelope of black wool, edged in red cloth binding. The front flap is triangular shaped. The bottom edge of the envelope is decorated with ten red yarn tassels suspended on a short string of two white and one light blue beads. The interior of the envelope and the back of the strap are lined with cotton cloth of a light blue background a white pattern. The black wool strap is a long rectangular strip with three deep scallops at each end. The strap is tacked to the upper corners of the envelope with thick tacking stitches. Two red yarn tassels are attached at the end of each scallop for a total of 12. These red tassels are attached to the scallops with on a string that has two white beads and one light blue bead. The strap is edged in red cloth binding. The beadwork is appliqued in a wide range of colors, all in fine seed beads. The designs on the sides of the strap are distinct from one another in style. One side has a long linked design in blue and white, while the other side of the strap and the pouch feature abstract floral designs. Red and white comma-shaped designs decorate the scallops and overlay the colorful selvedge edge of the stroudcloth.

The three points on the end of the shoulder strap is a possible feature of Southeastern bandolier bags. These emulate the ammunition bags that European soldiers carried. The isolated design patterns on the strap are diagnostic of Southeastern woodland groups.
Tags: bandolier bag
People: Kickapoo, Muscogee (Creek)
Places: Southeast
Purpose: domestic use, ceremonial use, formal attire

From interviews with Dr. Garrick Bailey, 2018-2020 University of Tulsa, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology